A commercial technician is defined as the person who, under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, performs pest control services. A technician must be licensed for every business for which they are employed or for whom they perform pest control services.

A noncommercial technician is defined as the person who, under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, performs pest control services for a governmental entity, apartment building, day-care center, hospital, nursing home, hotel, motel, lodge, warehouse, food-processing establishment, school or education institution.

The applicant must first register as an apprentice and complete all apprentice training requirements before taking the exam for a technician license.

Apprentice Requirements

Submit an Application for Apprentice Registration and Technician License form with the $125 fee within 10 days of employment or within 10 days of beginning pest control services.

SPCS will review the application and conduct a background review. An apprentice card will then be issued for 12 months from date of hire.

An apprentice may provide pest control services in the category for which training has been completed under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. This means that a certified applicator shall have personal contact at least three days per week.

Required Training:

20 hours classroom training in the general standards with at least two hours in each of the following subjects:

Federal and state laws that regulate the industry

Recognition of pests and pest damage

Pesticide labels and label comprehension

Pesticide safety

Environmental protection

Application equipment and techniques

Pesticide formulations and actions

Emergency procedures and pesticide cleanup, and procedures for immediate reporting of spills and misapplications

Basic principles of mathematics, chemistry, toxicology and entomology

Non-chemical pest control techniques, including biological, mechanical, and prevention techniques.

8 hours of classroom training in each category seeking licensure.

40 hours of on-the-job training in each category seeking licensure.

Apprentices must attend and participate in a SPCS approved technician training course prior to taking the technician exam.

Verification of training must be kept in the personnel file of the apprentice and are subject to review by SPCS personnel.

Exam Preparation

Study materials for license exams may be purchased from Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Apprentices must attend and participate in a SPCS approved technician training course prior to taking the technician exam.

Submit an Application for Apprentice Registration and Technician Exam along with $64 for each category exam. Pass an exam in each category in which training was completed to receive a technician license.

Exam must be passed prior to the expiration date of the apprentice card. May retest as many times as needed during a 12-month period.

A technician license will be issued when the exam is passed. Technicians may provide pest control services under direct supervision and receive instructions at least three days per week from a certified applicator.

To add a category, the individual must receive 40 hours of on-the-job training and 8 hours of classroom training in the additional category and pass the category exam.

Criminal Background

SPCS performs a criminal background review.

If TDA identifies criminal activity that affects your
fitness to license you'll be asked to provide the following additional
information. The application will not be
processed until all the information is provided and reviewed. All items are mandatory and must be submitted
for ALL pending criminal matters, as
well as any conviction or deferrals listed in your criminal history
record.

1.If you
served a probation or parole, a copy of the document releasing you from the
conditions and terms of your parole or probation, or an official document or
statement from your supervising officer showing that you have met and completed
the terms of your parole or probation;

2.A signed
statement from your parole office or other law enforcement agency stating you
have paid all outstanding court costs, supervision fees, fines, and restitution
as may have been ordered or that you have been consistent in meeting the
conditions of any payment plan;

3.At least
one letter of recommendation from a law enforcement official familiar with your
current conduct, or any other person, other than an employer, who has had
recent significant contact with you;

4.A written, dated
statement, signed by you, containing a complete description of

-the
crime(s) for which you were convicted or any pending criminal matter(s);

-your age
at the time the crime(s) was committed;

-the
gender and age of the victim or victims of your crime(s),

-your
relationship to the victim or victims;

-how the
victim or victims of your crime were affected by that crime(s);

-your
conduct and work activities prior to the conviction or deferral;

-the
sentence imposed for the conviction or deferral;

-the
amount of time incarcerated, if any;

-the year
of your release from incarceration, if any;

-the time
period during which you were or will be on parole or probation;

-if
currently on parole or probation, the terms of your parole or probation;

5.Evidence
that the applicant or licensee has maintained a record of steady employment,
supported dependents, and record of good conduct since the most recent
conviction or deferral.

6.A letter
from your employer indicating that they are aware of all convictions or
deferrals listed on your criminal history record.

Expiration

The expiration date of the technician license will be based on the expiration date of the business or noncommercial certified applicator.

Training Required to Renew License

Licensed technicians must complete eight hours of verifiable training for the calendar year of renewal year. The verifiable training must be reported on a prescribed verifiable training record form and be verified for each annual renewal of the technician's license.

Two of the eight hours of training may be on-the-job training or hands-on training.

Internet training or videotape training may be used if the certified applicator certifies that the training is the appropriate training.

Hour for hour credit will be given if a SPCS approved continuing education unit course is completed.

No courses may be repeated for credit per year.

Verifiable training records form must be kept on a format prescribed by SPCS in the business file for at least two years after termination of employment.

Change of Address

Must be submitted within 10 days of the effective date. Include company name and license number, Social Security number, and old and new addresses and phone numbers. To get a copy of the license with the new information, submit a written request.

Changing Employers

Submit a Change of License Form and pay any fees within 10 days of the effective date.